YouTube video
Lake Murray: Jumbo Bluegills and Trout! Tips and Techniques!
YouTube video
▶️ Lake Murray Trail | La Mesa, CA 🎣 🐟

Summary

Lake Details

Fish Types

Gear & Tackle

Directions

Murray Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟

YouTube video
Lake Murray Bass Fishing in San Diego

Murray Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟, in La Mesa, California, is a great spot for fishing and enjoying the outdoors. This beautiful lake is stocked with fish like trout, bass, catfish, and bluegill, making it a favorite for anglers of all skill levels. You can fish from the shore, rent a boat, or even bring your own kayak for some extra adventure. The lake has plenty of peaceful spots to cast your line and enjoy the scenery. Surrounding the lake, you’ll find walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and open spaces to relax with family or friends. It’s a family-friendly place where you can enjoy a day outdoors, whether you’re fishing or just taking in the view. With its calm vibe and natural beauty, Murray Lake is a fun and friendly destination for a great fishing trip or a relaxing escape. 🎣 🐟

Lake Details

Murray Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟 Highlights 🎣 🐟 :

  • Fish Species: The reservoir is stocked with Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie, and trout. The minimum size limit for bass is 12 inches. Fish limits are five trout, five bass, five catfish, and 25 crappie and bluegill in aggregate, with no limit on other species.
  • Fishing Regulations: Anglers aged 16 and over must possess a valid California state fishing license. Lake permits are available for purchase at the concession stand, with fees as follows: Adult Fishing Permit $11.00, Youth Fishing Permit $4.00, Senior Fishing Permit $6.00.
  • Boating and Rentals: The lake is open for shore fishing and private boats, kayaks, and float tubes seven days a week from 5:30 am to sunset. Boat rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with options including 4-passenger fishing boats with motors and rowboats. Float tubes are permitted but must stay within 150 feet of the shore.
  • Amenities: Lake Murray features 64 picnic tables and allows patrons to bring their own barbecues for use in designated areas. Ground fires, glass containers, and camping are not permitted. The lake is also popular for bicycling, jogging, walking, rollerblading, and picnicking.

Top Fish at Murray Lake 🐟

Largemouth Bass Fishing Guide

Largemouth Bass

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Rainbow Trout

Bluegill Fishing Guide

Bluegill

Channel Catfish Fishing Guide

Channel Catfish

Lake Information

  • Name/Location:
    Lake Murray
  • Address:
    5540 Kiowa Drive
    La Mesa, CA 91942
  • County: San Diego County
  • Hours:
  • Open daily – sunrise to sunset
  • OPEN -Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day
  • CLOSED – Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
  • Website:
  • Sandiego.gov
  • Mtrp.org
  • Fishing License: Required for persons 16 years and older.

Lake Amenities

  • Boats
  • Canoes
  • Kayaks
  • Float Tubes
  • Water Fountains
  • Restrooms
  • Fishing
  • Leashed Dogs
  • Picnic Tables
  • Gas barbecues are allowed in designated areas

Nearby Lakes

Fish Types

Bass Fishing

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Bass:
    Fishing along the shoreline and inlets is great for catching Bass. Look for spots with vegetation, fallen branches, and rocks where these fish like to hide.
  • Bass Fishing Tips:
    Bass thrive in warmer waters and are most active during the spring and summer
  • Baits: Live shad, crayfish, and plastic worms
  • Lures: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 8-12 lb test line

Baits & Lures

TRUSCEND Pre-Rigged Soft Fishing Lures

Purchase on Amazon →

Gary Yamamoto Senko Soft Plastic Worms

Purchase on Amazon →

SteelShad Lipless Crankbait

Purchase on Amazon →

TRUSCEND Swimming Jigging Fishing Spinners

Purchase on Amazon →

Bass Drop Shot Rigs

Purchase on Amazon →

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Rainbow Trout:
    Center of the lake offers deeper, cooler waters in the center of the lake are ideal for catching Rainbow Trout. You can reach these areas by casting from the fishing docks or using a small boat if allowed.
  • Rainbow Trout Fishing Tips:
    Suspend these baits on the right at different depths with a bobber.
  • Baits: PowerBait, worms, and small minnows
  • Lures: Spinners, spoons, and small jigs
  • Tackle: Light to medium spinning gear with 4-6 lb test line

Baits & Lures

Berkley Gulp! Corn

Purchase on Amazon →

Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

Purchase on Amazon →

Pautzke Balls O’ Fire Salmon Eggs

Purchase on Amazon →

Berkley PowerBait Natural Cheese Scent

Purchase on Amazon →

Berkley Gulp! Trout Nuggets Dough Bait

Purchase on Amazon →

Bluegill Fishing

Bluegill Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Bluegill:
    Bluegill are commonly found in the shallow areas of the lake, especially around docks and vegetation.
  • Bluegil Fishing Tips:
    They are active throughout the day, particularly in the summer.
  • Baits: Worms, crickets, and small pieces of bread
  • Lures: Tiny jigs and small spinners
  • Tackle: Ultra-light spinning gear with 2-4 lb test line

Baits & Lures

Berkley Powerbait Panfish Nibbles Fishing Bait

Purchase on Amazon →

Berkley Gulp! Maggot 

Purchase on Amazon →

Berkley Gulp! Killer Crawler Fishing Soft Bait

Purchase on Amazon →

Berkley Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

Purchase on Amazon →

YUM Ribbontail Grub Curly Tail Swim Fishing Lure

Purchase on Amazon →

CatFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Catfish:
    Channel Catfish are bottom dwellers and can be found in the deeper, murkier parts of the lake.
  • Catfish Fishing Tips:
    Catfish are popular among night anglers. They are most active after sunset.
  • Baits: Stink bait, chicken liver, and cut bait
  • Lures: Not commonly used, as they prefer natural baits
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 12-20 lb test line

Baits & Lures

Wild Cat Pre-Molded Catfish Bait

Purchase on Amazon →

Catfish Charlie Dip Bait Cheese

Purchase on Amazon →

Wild Cat Blood Dip Bait

Purchase on Amazon →

Berkley PowerBait Catfish Bait Chunks Fishing Dough

Purchase on Amazon →

Pro-Cure Catfish Magic Chicken Liver Cure

Purchase on Amazon →

Gear & Tackle

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →


Booms Fishing R2 Hook Remover Squeeze

Purchase on Amazon →

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

Shakespeare Catch More Fish Panfish Tackle Box Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Shakespeare Catch More Fish Catfish Tackle Box Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Bass Fishing Lures Baits Tackle

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Fishing Lures Baits Tackle

Purchase on Amazon →

Crappie Magnet Tackle Pack Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Harmony Fishing Bass Razor Weedless Hooks

Purchase on Amazon →

Panfish Magnet Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Hooks Bobbers Freshwater Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO 264/397pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw Trout Fishing Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Shakespeare Kids Hide-A-Hook Bobber

Purchase on Amazon →

Smaky Fishing Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

Directions

FAQs

Murray Lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, black crappie, and rainbow trout (stocked during cooler months). The lake is a popular destination for anglers year-round.

Yes, anyone aged 16 or older must have a valid California fishing license to fish at Murray Lake. Licenses can be purchased online or at authorized vendors. Additionally, a daily fishing permit is required, which can be purchased at the lake.

Yes, boats are allowed, and rentals are available, including motorboats and rowboats. Personal watercraft can also be launched but must pass an inspection for invasive species, such as quagga mussels, before use.

Similar Posts